Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 3979, Nathaniel Getchell, Mass.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass.
Getchell, Nathaniel R. 3979. Elizabeth
CONTENTS
[Lined area for entries]
[Lined area for entries]

40 13.33
1838 1839
197 12
17 32 170 3
1831
1832
1833 1834 1835 1836 1837 1838 1839 1840 1841 1842 1843 1844 1845 1846 1847 1848 1849 1850

Maine N o 27,331
Nathaniel Getchell
of Northport in the State of Maine who was a private in the Capt. commanded by Captain Robbins of the Regt. commanded by Col. Allen in the Massachusetts line for 14 mos. & 1 day
Subscribed on the Roll of Maine at the rate of 46 Dollars 77 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1834.
Certificate of Pension issued the 12 th day of Sept. 1834 and Hon. Jon. Hale
  Arrears to the 4th of Mar. 1834  140.31    Transm. allowance ending 4 th Sept.  23.38     163.69  
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by R. Burdine Clerk, Book 8 Vol. 1 Page 19
13 33

No 12011
Elizabeth Getchell M om of Nathaniel Me act 7 July 1838
Received May 26. 1845.
5979

State of Maine Waldo County ss.
On this twenty fifth day of April A.D. 1845 personally appeared before Monasseh Sleeper Judge of the Court of Trials within and for the town of Belfast, Elizabeth Getchell (widow of Nathaniel Getchell), a resident of Northport in said County of Waldo, aged eighty two years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions made by the act of Congress passed July 7 th 1838 entitled "an act granting Half Pay and Pensions to certain widows, and the additional acts thereto;" That she is the widow of Nathaniel Getchell who was a private soldier in the army of the United States, who died the 30 th day of January 1841. Said Nathaniel was stationed at a place called slave cave in said state. He served in a company commanded by Capt e McAlister, which company composed a part of the troops commanded by General Pyle (Wadsworth). The day or year he entered or left the service I do not now recollect. He lived in the town of Linsville in the said State of Maine when he entered the service. He enlisted into the army. I have no documentary evidence in support of my claim.
She further declares that she was married

To the said Nathaniel Getchell on the twenty first day of September A.D. 1788, that her husband, the aforesaid Nathaniel Getchell, died the 30 th day of January A.D. 1841; that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place previous to the first of January 1794, to wit, at the time above stated. She further declares that she has never been married to any other man than the said Nathaniel Getchell. The said Nathaniel was a Pensioner at the time of his death; and she further declares that she has no children and never had any, and that the said Nathaniel was never married to any other woman and never had any children.
Witness
Mansfield Shepard 3
Elizabeth her Getchell mark
The said Elizabeth Getchell not being able to appear in open court from bodily infirmity, swore to, & subscribed her name to the foregoing declaration at Northport, on the day & year above written.
Before me,
Mansfield Shepard Justice of the Court of Sessions for the County of Bedford

State of Maine
Wales p
I William H. Burrie Clerk of the Judicial Court within & for said county certify (Manapek Sleeper is a Justice of the Court of Trials for the Town of Belfast in said county being a court of Record & that the foregoing signature purporting to be his is genuine — In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of our Supreme Judicial Court this 22 nd day of May A.D. 1845
W. H. Burrie Clerk
[Faint mirrored text from the reverse side of the page, likely bleed-through from the original document.]

I Jacob Elwell of Northport in the County of Waldo and State of Maine, on oath depose and say that I have lived a near neighbour to, and been well acquainted with Nathaniel Getchell now deceased, and his widow Elizabeth Getchell for more than thirty years now last past; that the said Nathaniel died on the thirtieth day of January A.D. 1841; that the said Elizabeth has never been married to any other man; that the said Nathaniel and Elizabeth always, up to the time of Nathaniel's death, lived together as man and wife, and were reputed to be so, and I have no doubt they were legally married in Irlesboro, from common report, although I do not know the fact of my own knowledge not being present at the marriage; and that the said Nathaniel and Elizabeth have never had any children.
Jacob Elwell
May 17- 1845. Signed and sworn to before me Nathaniel Abbot Just of the Peace

State of Maine
Witnesseth I William H. Pownall Clerk of the Judicial Courts within & for said County certify that the within name Jeremiah Abbot is a true copy of the person within & for said County duly qualified & qualified & that the within signature purporting to be his is genuine
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of our Superior Judicial Court this 22 day of May A. D. 1825
Wm H Pownall Clerk

Declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed Jan. 7. 1832
State of Maine Waldo County ss
On this sixth day of August A. D. 1832 personally appeared in open court before the Hon. Alfred Johnson Jr. Judge of the Court of Probate now sitting Nathaniel Getchell a resident of Northport in the County of Waldo and State of Maine aged seventy one years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed Jan. 7. 1832. -
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers & served as herein stated -
At a place called Ducktrap in Lincolnville State of Maine in the Spring of 1777 he thinks; he entered the service of the United States as a volunteer & private for six months in the Company commanded by Captain Nathaniel Robbins & marched to Machias State of Maine - Major George Stittman & Col. Allen commanded at that place - He remained at Machias under the command of the aforesaid officers until his term of service expired which was he is very certain in the fall of 1777 when he was dismissed by Col. Allen at said Machias without a written discharge -
At said Ducktrap in the Spring of 1779 he thinks; he again entered the service of the United States as a volunteer and private soldier for eight months in the Company commanded by Captain David McAllister & marched to a place called Blam Cove in Thomaston near Camden State of Maine - Major Philip Almer & General Peleg Wadsworth commanded at that place - George Almer who has since been a Major General of the Militia of the State of Maine acted as Adjutant at that time & place - He the said Getchell remained at Thomaston under the command of the aforesaid officers until the eight months expired & was discharged in writing signed by Gen. Wadsworth the latter part of the year 1779 or the beginning of the year 1780 at said Blam Cove - His discharge he has since accidentally mislaid & lost - During said eight months service a party was sent from Blam Cove to Belfast Maine of which he was one in pursuit of Refugees - We met a number of them

two or three times in the route & some shots were passed, one of them was shot through the head on the beach at Belfast by one Richard Simpson - A man by the name of Houston who then resided at said Belfast took his family furniture & cattle & came off with them to Glen Cove - They had proceeded but a short distance from Houston's house & barn when they discovered them to be in flames having been fired by Refugees - He was born at Swan Island in the State of Maine April 17. 1762 & is in the seventy first year of his age - He has no record of his age & knows of none in existence - He lived at said Ducktrap at the several times he entered the service - Since the Revolutionary War he has lived most of the time in Northport in said State (where he now resides) -
The Selectmen of the town of Northport who are George Knowlton Benj Garrison & John Clark & also James Shaw Postmaster of said Northport & the Hon. William Crosby of Belfast can testify as to his character for veracity & their belief of his services as a soldier of the revolution - The Deposition hereunto annexed will prove most of the above facts -
He relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, & declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State -
Sworn to & subscribed the day & year aforesaid Attest. Northport his Gilbert Wm H. Blaine member
Sworn to & subscribed the day & year aforesaid before me A. Johnson Judge
We Jacob L. Rhodes residing in the town of Northport and John Wade residing in said town hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Nathaniel Gatchell who has subscribed & sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be seventy years of age; that he is reputed & believed, in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution, & that we concur in that opinion -
Sworn to & subscribed the day and year aforesaid Jacob L. Rhodes John Wade
Sworn to & subscribed the day & year aforesaid before me Alfred Johnson Judge of Probate

I Jonathan Richards of Lincolnville in the county of Waldo State of Maine aged seventy two years last May on oath declare that in 1777 I lived in Camden now in said county of Waldo & there in the in the spring of that year according to my best recollection in the month of May I entered the service of the United States as a private soldier for six months & served that length of time in Captain Robbins company & Colonel Allens Regiment - I enlisted under Richard Webber who was a recruiting officer, & two or three days after I enlisted I went to a place called Ducktrap in said Lincolnville where I joined the recruiting officer aforesaid & Nathaniel Gitchel who now lives in Westbrook in said county & two or three others all of whom had enlisted as I then understood, under the same Richard Webber for the same length of time for which I had enlisted - From said Ducktrap we proceeded to to Long Island, then to Deer Island, where we were joined by the captain of the company - then we proceeded to Frenchmans Bay & from this place we marched to Machias Port of Maine when the company all assembled, & at this place we were stationed until said six months expired which according to my best belief was in November 1777 when & where I was verbally discharged - Nathaniel Gitchel above mentioned was a private soldier in the same company & went at the same time I did, from said Ducktrap to said Machias remained there the same length of time that I did in the same company & was discharged at the same time with me & we returned home in company, having served six months according to our enlistment, as private soldiers - we were employed among other things at Machias erecting barracks fixing parades & drilling to the use of arms & other military tactics - The names of the officers of our company & Regiment were as follows, Colonel Allens, Major Stillman, Captain Robbins - First Lieutenant Alden & Second Lieutenant Mansfield, their Christian names I do not recollect -
(over)

Whether we were then called continental or state troops I cannot now remember but think we were dressed at Machias in continental cloths & we received a bounty in money when we enlisted According to my best recollection the company to which I belonged was the only company of whites at said Machias, when we were there there were then most of the time a large company of friendly Indians. The number of our company I do not recollect it was large should think 50 or 60 at most
Jonathan his  mark Richards
Isaac L Rhoads
State of Maine Waldo County ss July 3. 1833.
Then personally appeared the above named Jonathan Richards & made oath to the truth of the foregoing affidavit by him subscribed before me And I do hereby certify that said Richards' reputation for truth & veracity is good & that his declarations under oath are in my opinion entitled to credit.
N. M. Loring, Justice of the Peace
State of Maine Waldo County ss
I N. M. Loring Register of Probate for Waldo county certify that I am a Magistrate as above & that the foregoing signature purporting to be mine is genuine.
In witness  of which whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal, this fourth day of July 1833.
N. M. Loring Register of Probate Waldo Co.

I Pamela Hewes of Islesboro county of Waldo State of Maine aged 64 years last January on oath declare that in 1777 I lived with my father at a place called Duck trap in Lincolnville in said county. that Nathl. Gitchel now of Northport in the same county an applicant for a pension lived at that time with my father & that in the Spring I think of that year he went into the service as a soldier & returned the Fall following after the weather had become quite cold. He marched to Machias State of Maine as I understood from him & others at the time. How long he was in the service of the United States at that time I cannot tell but then understood that it was six months & am quite certain that he was absent as long as that. When he returned my father purchased his claim for wages which I heard my father say he afterwards got through Gen. Geo. Ulmer. Said Gitchel was at that time about 16 years old and I heard his mother say who was at that time frequently at my father's house.
Pamela Hewes
Waldo ss. August 10. 1833 Then personally appeared the above named Pamela Hewes & made oath to the truth of the above affidavit by her signed before me. I also certify that the above named deponent is a credible person & that her statements are entitled to credit.
N. M. Lowney
Justice of the Peace
State of Maine
Waldo ss August 6. 1833 I Nathaniel M. Lowney Register of the court of Probate within & for said county certify that Nathaniel M. Lowney is a Magistrate as above & that the above signature purporting to be his is genuine. In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand & seal of office this tenth day of August 1833.
N. M. Lowney Register of Probate

I Henry Pendleton of Northern State of Maine aged sixty nine years & eleven months on oath declare that in the year 1777 I resided at a place then called Long Is- land Island near the Northern border & have ever since been acquainted with Nathaniel Ginty of said Northern an applicant for a pension - that said Ginty who then resided at a place called Ducktrap about three miles from the place where I lived went into the service of the United States as a private soldier in the company commanded by Captain Nathl. Robbins of Deer Island & went as I understood at that time to Manhasset & was gone as much as six months when he returned to Ducktrap - Afterwards in the year I should think of 1779 but am not certain as to the precise time - he again went into the service in the company commanded by Captain David McAlister as a private soldier & I understood at the time that he had enlisted for eight months, he went under the command of said McAlister to a place called Blaine cove in Thomaston. I frequently saw him there during eight months the time he was there in the service - I never was in the service of the United States myself being under my father he would not permit me to go.
Subscribed & sworn to the fifth day of August 1832.
Before me
Henry Pendleton
Waldob. August 6. 1832 Then personally appeared the above named Henry Pendleton & made oath to the truth of the above affidavit by him signed before me
Nathl. M. Loring, Justice of the Peace State of Maine
Waldo County ss August 6. 1832
I Nathaniel M. Loring Register of the Court of Probate within & for said county certify that Nathl. M. Loring is a Magistrate as above & that the foregoing signature purporting to be his is genuine - In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name & affixed my seal of office Nathl. M. Loring, Register of P.

August 6. 1833.
I hereby certify that the within named Henry Pendleton is a man of truth & a credible person and that his declarations are entitled to credit
J. M. Lowrey Jus Peace Waldo County

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above-named Applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier & served as he states -
And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that Jacob L. Rhodes and John Wade - who have signed the preceding certificates are residents in the town of Northport & are credible persons and that their statement is entitled to credit -
A Johnson Jr
I Nathaniel Meloney Clerk of the Court of Probate for the County of Waldo do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Nathaniel Getchell for a pension -
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this sixth day of August A.D. 1833 -
Nathl. M. Loring Register of Probate Waldo County
August 6th. 1833.
I hereby certify that there is no clergyman residing in the same neighborhood with the above named Nathaniel Getchell
N. M. Loring Jus Pacis Waldo County

N. D. Ditchell
Proof of Service
Hon Joseph Hall Ho of Rep
no service

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
Dec 23 d 1838
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: { ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, shewing the Service of N. Fitchell
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served. Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service. Proof by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.  
No proof is adduced in support of his service in 1779. — During his alleged service at Thomaston, there were actual engagements between the British and Americans, if he were there as he alleges, he must have participated in them, and his not mentioning these well known facts, his statement appears rather doubtful, It will be necessary for him to apply to E. D. Bangs Esq. I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
JAMES L. EDWARDS, Commissioner of Pensions.
City of the State of Mass who has complete rolls of their service, for Evidence of his services —

REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c., Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of private armed vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
 1. The Regular Troops.  2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.  3. Persons employed in the Naval Service.  4. Indian Spies. 
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will, in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of } ss. County of }
On this _____ day of _____ personally appeared (a) before A. B. a resident (b) of _____ in the county of _____ and State, Territory or District of _____ aged (c) _____ years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) _____, with _____ and served in the _____ (e) regiment of the _____ line, under the following named officers:
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. (This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.)]
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of _____
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
A. B.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
I, _____ of the Court of _____ do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of _____ for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this _____ day of _____ &c.
If, on examination of the proper record, the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz.:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the _____ and C. D. residing in (the same) _____ hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with _____, who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be _____ years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the days and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A. B. who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the _____ and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the _____ and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, _____ Clerk of the Court of _____ do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of _____ for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this _____ day of _____ &c.
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration, (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his

alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
 1. Where and in what year were you born?  2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?  3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?  4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?  5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.  6. { To a Soldier. { Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it? To an Officer. { Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?  7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution. 
The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons—one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify to the character and standing of other persons giving such certificates.
The traditional evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the inquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court, by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the Peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades:—For _____ year _____ months, and _____ days, I served as a _____. For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension."
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months , is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
Proof of Service.
[j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
□ The notes from [a] to [i] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[k] This traditional evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[l] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[m] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.

Acts of July 14, 1862, and March 3, 1873.
3979 P. O. Elizabeth Gatchell Service: widow of Nathaniel
Enlisted: _____, 18
Discharged: REJECTED _____, 18
Application filed: _____, 18
Alleges: _____
Re-enlisted: _____
Attorney: _____
P. O. _____
_____ Recognized. _____ Contract.
_____ Cert. of Dis. Searched for _____, 18

V No. 12.011 Elizabeth Mitchell
Also Elizabeth Mitchell to Campbell S. 25 C. 100 No. 7 NW
217 July 1911

Elizabeth Gitchell Wid Nathaniel as me Case examined this 28 Dec 1868
L. B. Ina Present

Belfast April 4. 1834-
Sir
Mark Gotch's claim for a pension under the act of June 7. 1832 together with the evidence in support of his claim you will herewith find -
The certificate of the Summary of Mass. substantially proves the statement of Gotch - The difference is that both terms of service were one year later than Gotch states them to be - the first term was a few days longer & the second a few days less than he describes them to be but the two terms taken together are one day more than his first declaration describes them to be - Gotch was also mistaken in the Christian name of his Captain in the second term of service in the room of David it should have been Archibald Mr. Alston
I am Sir Most respectfully
Hon Jos. Hall M. C.
Yours - A. M. Lousney

Belfast Oct 8- 1845-
Sir
In your last you say we have not forwarded satisfactory evidence of the marriage of Nathaniel and Elizabeth Getchell, in the case of said Elizabeth, Petitioner for Pension. We have heretofore furnished, as we think, satisfactory evidence that there is no second of their marriage. We have also forwarded you the affidavit of Henry Marshall, the only survivor, now living, that was present at the marriage. We now herewith enclose three affidavits of old people who have lived in the vicinity of said Nathaniel and Elizabeth, and who make oath that they have known them well, and know that they have always lived together as man & wife for nearly fifty years; one of them testifies that she knew when they were married from those who were present at the marriage. If this evidence is not satisfactory, upon the point of marriage, this poor and destitute widow of an old soldier must be deprived of her rights; for we have furnished you with the best , and the only evidence that can be obtained; and we cannot believe that any more or better , under the circumstances of this case, will be required.
Yours Respectfully N. H. B. Abbott
P.S. Please let us know the result, at the earliest convenient

I Nanny Marshall of Islesboro in the County of Waldo and State Maine on oath depose and say, that I was acquainted with Nathaniel Getchell before he died and am acquainted with his widow Elizabeth Getchell who now resides at Northport; that I was present at the marriage of the said Nathaniel and Elizabeth, who were married at said Islesboro at the house of my brother Zariah Marshall, in the month of September A. D. 1788. and that I then and there saw the said Nathaniel & Elizabeth duly joined in matrimony by General George Dimes who was then a Justice of the Peace within and for said County. I further depose and say that said Elizabeth has not been married since the death of her said husband and that she was never married to any other man, and never had any children.
I further depose and say that I have never seen or known of any records of the marriage of said Nathaniel & Elizabeth, and verily believe that there is no such records, that since the marriage of the said Nathaniel and Elizabeth, I have lived in their family about eleven years in all, and if there had been a family record of their marriage I think I should have known it. The said Nathaniel drew a Service at the time of

This death, which took place about four years ago,
Nancy
Her
X Marshall
Mark
April 25-1845. I hereby certify that Nancy Marshall's character is good for truth and veracity, and that she is entitled to full credit, and that her above affidavit was taken this day, subscribed, by her, and sworn to before me
Nehemiah Abbott Justice Peace
State of Maine
Wales p I William H. Dummer Clerk of the Judicial Courts within & for said County, certify that Nehemiah Abbott is a Justice of the Peace within & for said County, duly & lawfully qualified & that the above signature purporting to be his is genuine — In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of our Supreme Judicial Court This 22 day of May A. D. 1845
Wm H Dummer Clerk

Belfast May 22 d 1875
Sir
We suppose that the inclosed papers and the papers of Nathaniel Getchell on file in the Pension Office are sufficient to establish Elizabeth Getchell's claim to a pension; if not will you have the goodness to inform us, and state what more is necessary. Nathaniel Getchell drew a pension up to the time of his death, which was about four years ago, and he, as the inclosed papers show, was the husband of the said Elizabeth Yours Respectfully N. H. B. Abbott
J. L. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions Washington

I James B. Williams of Isleshboro in the county of Waldo, on oath before and say that I am the present town clerk within and for said town of Isleshboro; and that I have with great care searched and examined the town records in said town and can find no record of the marriage of Nathaniel and Elizabeth Gifford. There were no town records kept, as appears from the town books, until seventeen hundred and eighty nine, when said town was incorporated; and from the fact that I can find no record of the marriage of said Nathaniel & Elizabeth in said town books, and from the fact that the old people say that they were married before said town was incorporated, and from the further fact that no plantation records are to be found, I have no doubt that no such record is in existence.
Belfast July 7-1845
James B. Williams
Then the above named Williams subscribed and swore to the above affidavit
Before me
Deborah Abbott Justice Peace

State of Maine
Whereas I William No. Prince Bishop of the Judicial District within & for said County, certify that the within named Jeremiah Abbot is a Justice of the Peace within & for said County duly commis- sioned & qualified & that the within application purporting to be his is genuine —
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of an Inferior Judicial Court this seventh day of May A.D. 1825 —
W m No 1 Prince Bishop

Ho. of Reps - Apr 10. 1834
Sir
I have the honor to return to you the application of N. Getchell of Maine for a pension - You will remember, that this application was presented at an early day in the present session & disallowed for want of proof satisfactory to you - I saying it would be necessary to obtain the certificate of the Secy of State of Massachusetts, corroborative of Mr Getchell's statement - That certificate has been obtained, & is herewith presented - I trust Mr Getchell will now have the satisfaction of obtaining your decision in his favor Most respectfully Jas. Hall J. L. Edwards Esq.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, March 11 th 1834.
* hereby Certify, That, from an examination of the Books and Documents, relating to Military Services in the War of the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears that the name of Nathaniel Getchell, as a private, is borne on a Pay Roll of Captain Thomas Robbins' Company, under the command of Col. John Allan, where he is allowed from May 20 th to Decem r 1 st 1778, for services and travel, six Months and twenty days. m do 6 = 20 Nathaniel Getchell's name is borne on a Pay Roll of Capt. Archibald McAlister's Company, in Col. Primes' Regt. where he is allowed from April 19 th to the 29 th of Novem r 1780, seven Months and eleven days 7 = 11 14 = 01 Edward D. Bangs. Secy

July 17 1885
Admiral John D. Long
L. Edwards Esq Commissioner of Pensions Washington
10

Belfort July 11 - 1845
Sir
The inclosed affidavit of James B. Williams, makes up the deficiency in the testimony, in the case of Elizabeth Getchell Petitioner for a pension. Will you at the earliest convenient opportunity, do us the favor, to notify us of the allowance of her claim, if allowed, and if not, let us know what further testimony is wanted, if any.
Respectfully Yours & N. H. B. Abbot